Plaistow police: Old shotguns worn out

By ADAM SWIFTUnion Leader CorrespondentJune 30. 2014 10:28PMPLAISTOW — The police department is trading in their old shotguns for newer ones that will be easier to handle and more reliable.

Selectmen recently approved the trade-in of the department’s seven shotguns for eight new shotguns. The difference between the trade-in and the total price will be paid for through the town’s forfeiture asset account and will have no impact on the town budget, according to Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald.

Police Lt. William Baldwin said the department has issues with the shotguns it currently trains with and keeps in its police cruisers.“We have a particular shotgun that seems to be falling apart quite frequently,” said Baldwin. “We are finding it difficult to fix in a timely manner.”

The major issue is that the shotguns are falling apart at the butt of the stocks, said Baldwin. Five of the shotguns have had issues, and the department was waiting on parts for four of the guns.

With the trade-in for the new shotguns approved, Baldwin said the department will cancel the order for those parts.

The new shotguns will be smaller, better equipped, and also allow for non-lethal rounds.

“They will be able to be better controlled by all officers,” said Baldwin.

Purchasing eight shotguns will allow one for each cruiser.

“We do have funding, but the trade-in will reduce the cost to purchase these weapons,” said Baldwin. “Each officer will be trained on these new weapons before they are deployed in the cruisers, and there will be continuous training throughout the year.”

Baldwin noted that the vendor is also willing to take the older shotguns as a trade-in in their current condition.

Selectman Michelle Curran said she approves of the department moving to a smaller shotgun with less recoil that can be more easily used by all members of the police department.